Lest we forget, in these times of political uncertainty and worry, this famous school located in Georgetown, is 90 years old this month. Before we venture into the story behind Armitage school , I wish to remind you that Armitage was opened in January 1927 by Governor Sir Cecil Armitage, whom the new school was named after.
Although popular wisdom has it that the school was for 'sons of chiefs', there was never a time when the school catered solely for sons of chiefs. It is true that chiefs were honoured with a school to educate their children, yet Armitage was more for protectorate children than specifically for sons of chiefs. However, at its earliest days chiefs patronised the chiefs. Chief Cherno Bandeh of Fulladu West (1925-1951) sent his son Makang to Armitage; Mama Tamba sent his son Sheriff; while Jewru Krubally chief of Basse (1924-1962) sent his son Ansumana to Armitage in the first years of the school. Other sons of chiefs like Sheriff Dibba also went to Armitage. Matarr Ceesay and Mama Tamba Jammeh, famous colonial era chiefs also went to Armitage, so did their children and grandchildren.
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